US5725189A - Media mounting device for motor vehicles - Google Patents

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Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
  • B60R11/0205—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for radio sets
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
  • B60R11/0211—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for record carriers apparatus, e.g. video recorders, tape players or CD players
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
  • B60R11/0229—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for displays, e.g. cathodic tubes
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
  • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle
  • B60R2011/0007—Mid-console
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
  • B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
  • B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
  • B60R2011/0071—Connection with the article using latches, clips, clamps, straps or the like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R2011/0042—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means
  • B60R2011/0049—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by mounting means for non integrated articles
  • B60R2011/0064—Connection with the article
  • B60R2011/0077—Connection with the article using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
  • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
  • B60R2011/0276—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for rear passenger use
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10S248/00—Supports
  • Y10S248/917—Video display screen support

Definitions

• the invention relates generally to electronic devices and more particularly to support stands for such devices in motor vehicles.
• Electronic devices include video monitors, computers, stereos, televisions, video cassette recorders ("VCRs”), radios, compact disc players, etc., and any combination of one or more of these or similar items. It is well-known to use electronic devices in homes or offices in connection with an AC or DC power source, e.g., a wall socket or batteries. In recent years, it has also been desirable to take electronic devices into motor vehicles, like automobiles, boats, and airplanes. This trend is particularly evident in automobiles. In addition to the standard automobile radio or stereo, many families are increasingly interested in providing other electronic device alternatives. Consequently, car, truck, van, and motor home manufacturers and suppliers are aware of the need to provide for the installation or accommodation of various electronic devices, particularly video screens (e.g., television) in their automobiles.
• VCRs video cassette recorders
• Electronic devices are generally expensive. Thus, there is a need to support these devices in a vehicle to avoid damage. However, quite often, there is a desire not to make the electronic device or its supporting apparatus a permanent fixture of the vehicle. One reason is that automobiles with an electronic device prominently displayed, immediately become the target of thieves. A second reason to not permanently affix an electronic device supporting apparatus to a vehicle is that an empty electronic device supporting apparatus is not an attractive feature of a vehicle's interior. Consequently, what is needed is an inexpensive apparatus for supporting an electronic device in a motor vehicle. The inexpensive electronic device supporting apparatus should also be removable and transportable.
• a single retention angle for an electronic device that is a radio or stereo is acceptable.
• electronic devices that are video monitors are better supported with support apparati that offer multiple viewing angles to a vehicle audience with different viewing preferences. Consequently, what is needed is an electronic device support apparatus that offers the functionality of multiple retention angles.
• the invention relates to an electronic device support apparatus.
• the apparatus includes a wedge-shaped stand portion of light-weight material capable of supporting an electronic device.
• the invention contemplates that the support apparatus supports any type of electronic device, including a television set, a VCR, both a television and a VCR, any video monitor, a stereo, etc.
• the support apparatus is particularly suited to support an electronic device in an automobile.
• the stand portion of the support apparatus includes two wedge-shaped light-weight material stand portions, each portion encapsulated in a nylon covering, and a coupling means to detachably couple the pair of stand portions.
• a single wedge-shaped stand portion will support the electronic device, with the pair used together to vary the retention angle of the electronic device relative to a horizontal plane.
• the pair of stand portions define various retention angles relative to a horizontal plane dependent on the alignment of the wedge-shaped stand portions relative to one another.
• a first retention angle is defined by a single stand portion used alone.
• a second and third stand retention angle are defined by the pair of stand portions coupled together in different configurations.
• a second stand retention angle is formed when the tapered ends of the wedge-shaped stand portions are adjacent to one another, and the third stand retention angle is formed when the tapered ends oppose one another.
• FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of an electronic device support apparatus and an electronic device.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device support apparatus supporting an electronic device in an automobile.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded, sectional view of an electronic device support apparatus 100 supporting an electronic device 110.
• the electronic device 110 in FIG. 1 is a combination television and VCR.
• FIG. 1 might represent, for example, a nine inch television with built in VCR. It is to be recognized that the invention is not limited to a TV/VCR stand apparatus, but will function equally well with any electronic device.
• the electronic device stand apparatus 100 includes a stand portion of two wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170.
• the wedge-shaped stand portions 160 and 170 are coupled together, for example, through mating hook and loop type fasteners 190 and 192.
• a single wedge-shaped portion 160 or 170 will support the electronic device 110, however, the pair are utilized in FIG. 1.
• One wedge-shaped stand portion 160 has an optional storage pouch 180 coupled thereto.
• the storage pouch can store various items, including items associated with the electronic device such as extension cords, batteries, headphones, etc.
• the storage pouch contains a zipper mechanism 185 to retain the pouch 180 in a closed orientation. It is evident that the zipper mechanism 185 is illustrative of the available containment mechanisms for the storage pouch; snaps, buckles, hook and loop material and other such fastening devices could be employed without departing from the scope and contemplation of the invention.
• the support strap 120 is attached to the wedge-shaped stand portion 160 . It is evident that the apparatus need not include the support strap to practice the invention and that the electronic device may be supported by a stand portion alone.
• the support strap 120 included in the embodiment in FIG. 1 is adapted to surround the exterior of the electronic device 110.
• the support strap 120 is generally flat and made of a durable nylon or nylon-like material.
• the strap 120 in FIG. 1 is in two portions, with the end of each portion stitched to the wedge-shaped stand portion. It is evident that the strap 120 can be contiguous and extend around the stand portion 160.
• one free end of the strap 120 includes a buckle 130.
• the invention contemplates that the other free end 195 of the strap 120 is inserted through the buckle 130 and doubled back on itself to tighten the strap 120 around the electronic device 110.
• Mating hook and loop type fasteners 140 and 150 are included on the same side of the support strap 120 with free end 195 to secure the support strap 120 to the exterior of the electronic device 110.
• the strap 120 doubles back on itself and is locked in a closed configuration by the mating of the hook and loop type fasteners 140 and 150.
• the hook and loop type system depicted by numerals 140 and 150, is sufficiently long and disposed along a sufficient length of the strap 120 that the strap will have the desired length when closed around an electronic device to provide the desired snug fit.
• the buckle system in FIG.1 is exemplary of the types of embodiments available to secure the strap around the electronic device 110.
• Other embodiments are also contemplated.
• Such embodiments include: Hook and loop type fasteners on opposite sides of each end of the strap 120 so that the closure means mate when the strap ends, with or without a buckle on one end, are adjacent to one another; a buckle with a movable tongue for fastening the two support strap ends; other bands or fasteners; snaps; friction-type buckling systems; detachable cable-tie buckle systems; or other systems known in the art.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a planar side view of a portion of the electronic device support apparatus taken through line 2 of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the stand portion 100 made up of two wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170.
• each wedge-shaped portion 160 and 170 includes an inner portion 200 that is a lightweight material, e.g., polystyrene foam or plastic, surrounded by a covering 210.
• the inner portion 200 is a light-weight material wherein the stand portion is strong enough to support an electronic device, yet lightweight enough to be easily manipulated or transported by carrying means.
• a foam, foam-like, plastic, or plastic-like material is ideal for this purpose.
• the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 also illustrates the inner stand portion 200 as being a single wedge-shaped form. It is evident that the inner stand portion 200 can be unitary, as illustrated, or constructed piecemeal with, for example, a pair of polystyrene foam pieces or other materials.
• the outer portion 210 of the stand portion 170 is a resilient nylon or nylon-like material of various colors.
• the nylon or nylon-like material is preferred because of its light-weight construction and durability.
• the nylon or nylon-like covering 210 serves cosmetic and functional purposes. Cosmetically, the nylon cover is an attractive accouterment to support an electronic device in, for example, an automobile's interior. Functionally, the nylon or nylon-like covering provides a durable shell to which a support strap 120 and pouch 180 can be fastened.
• Suitable coverings contemplated by the invention include, but are not limited to, textiles, leather or leather-like materials, and elastomeric materials. More specifically, textiles contemplated for covering the stand portion include, but are not limited to, cotton, canvas, polyester, or other fabric, fiber, or yarn.
• leather or leather-like materials include all forms of leather, including, but not limited to, cowhide, suede, and coach. Vinyl or vinyl-like materials include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl, cloth, textured vinyl, and woven vinyl.
• Elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, neoprene, latex, rubber, and butyl rubber. These materials may be of any color, may be plain or designs, or may be a mix of colors or designs.
• FIG. 2 illustrates that the covering portion 210 of the stand portions 160 and 170 includes a zippered closure mechanism 220 to secure the inner portion 200 inside the outer covering 210. It is evident that the invention is not limited to outer coverings 210 with zippered closure mechanism 220. Other closure mechanisms, including snaps, hook and loop type fasteners, stitching, etc., are also contemplated.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a support strap 120 affixed to a single wedge-shaped stand portion 160.
• the support apparatus may be used with the single wedge-shaped stand portion 160.
• the invention contemplates that the wedge-shaped stand portion 160 will support an electronic device by itself and without the aid of the supplemental wedge-shaped portion 170.
• a supplemental stand portion 170 may also be used to further support the electronic device or to vary the support angle of the electronic device, e.g., the viewing angle.
• the separate stand portions 160 and 170 are detachably coupled together through mating hook and loop type fastening mechanisms 190 disposed on a surface of each of the wedge-shaped stand portions 160 and 170.
• hook and loop type fastening mechanisms are exemplary of the type of fastening mechanisms that can be used to fasten complimentary stand portions 160 and 170.
• Other fastening means including snaps, friction, adhesive, etc. are also contemplated.
• FIG. 2 illustrates that the strap 120 is coupled to device stand portion 160.
• the coupling mechanism depicted in FIG. 2 is stitching of the strap 120 to the outer covering material 210.
• the stitching is exemplary of the type of coupling mechanism necessary to couple the strap 120 to the stand portion 160.
• Other coupling mechanisms including snaps, hook and loop type fasteners, glue, and heat (e.g., melting), are also contemplated.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a sectional view of an electronic device stand apparatus supporting an electronic device in an automobile.
• the electronic device support apparatus 100 supporting the electronic device 110 is disposed between a pair of bucket seats 300 in an automobile.
• the electronic device 110 might be, for example, a television or a television/VCR, that provides entertainment to passengers seated behind the bucket seats 300.
• FIG. 3 illustrates the electronic device 110 supported by the electronic device support apparatus 100 including a strap 120 surrounding the exterior of the electronic device 110.
• the electronic device support apparatus includes a pouch 180 that can hold, for example, an extension cord, batteries, or headphones.
• the stand portion of the device support apparatus 100 includes two wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170 coupled together. In FIG.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a planar side view of an electronic device support apparatus 100 supporting an electronic device at various angles.
• FIG. 4A illustrates an electronic device support apparatus 100 with a support strap 120 surrounding the exterior of an electronic device 110.
• the stand portion of the electronic device support apparatus consists of two approximately 15° wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170.
• the two wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170 are coupled together so that the tapered portions of the wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170 are diagonally opposite one another. In this configuration, the electronic device rests approximately horizontally on the electronic device support apparatus 100.
• the electronic device support apparatus 100 consists of a single wedge portion 160 with support strap 120 coupled to the wedge portion 160 and surrounding the exterior of the electronic device 110.
• FIG. 4C illustrates a planar side view of the electronic device support apparatus 100 supporting electronic device 110.
• the electronic device support apparatus 100 includes two wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170 with the tapered end of each wedge-shaped portion 160 and 170 adjacent to one another. In this configuration, the electronic device 110 is supported by the electronic device stand apparatus at approximately a 30° angle from the horizontal.
• hook and loop type fasteners 190 couple the stand portions 160 and 170.
• Mating portions of the hook and loop type fasteners 190 are positioned so that mating occurs when tapered portions of the wedge-shaped portions 160 and 170 are diagonally opposite (i.e., FIG. 4A) or are adjacent to one another (FIG. 4C).
• Positioning the coupling means e.g., hook and loop fasteners in this manner allows the multiple support position configuration of the invention.
• FIG. 4 presented the multiple retention angle feature of the invention in terms of 15° wedge-shaped stand portions.
• the invention contemplates that other angled wedge-shaped portions may be used.
• a wedge-shaped portion that is to be used alone preferably is less than 30° from the horizontal.
• Wedge-shaped portions designed for combining with other wedge-shaped portions, on the other hand, preferably have 10°-17° angles from the horizontal.
• the preferred embodiment described above included a pair of wedge-shaped stand portions. It is evident that a third wedge-shaped stand portion can be added to vary the available support angles for an electronic device.
• the third wedge-shaped portion can be coupled to the pair of wedge-shaped portions through mating hook and loop type fastening to, for example, wedge-shaped portion 170.
• One embodiment wherein a third wedge-shaped portion to the device contemplates that one of the three wedge-shaped portions contain hook or loop type fastening material on both its top and bottom surfaces.
• stand portion 160 has hook material 192 that mates with loop material 190 on stand portion 170.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

Description

Claims (20)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=24641810

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (1)

Cited By (43)

Citations (11)

• 1996
  • 1996-06-05 US US08/658,576 patent/US5725189A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related

Patent Citations (11)

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